As the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence approaches, it's the perfect time to dive into the rich history of 1776 by exploring key Revolutionary War sites. Maryland, as one of the original 13 colonies, and its historic capital, Annapolis, as well as the Chesapeake region has many places for you to travel to that our nation's founders visited as they wrestled with the issues of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness while working to establish our American democracy.   

 

  an aerial view of downtown Annapolis State House Dome
Downtown Annapolis, Maryland
 

Downtown Annapolis 

With more original colonial brick buildings preserved than any other U.S. city and the original 1695 street plan intact, Annapolis is the only city in America where you can walk the streets and see what those in 1776 would have seen. Eat, drink, and stay in one of the colonial taverns serving guests, just as they did during the American Revolution. Reynolds Tavern and Historic Inns of Annapolis have changed little over the years. Book a room in one of their hotels, and you may even encounter the ghost of a revolutionary soldier. 

 

Brick and motor of Museum of Historic Annapolis
Museum of Historic Annapolis

 

Museum of Historic Annapolis 

Embark on an exciting colonial adventure to uncover the essentials of the American Revolution. See the death's head stamp that printer Jonas Green used on his newspaper in rebellion against the 1765 Stamp Act. The museum is conveniently located near City Dock in the downtown Colonial Annapolis Historic District. It is just steps away from various restaurants, shops, and other interesting sites and museums. 

 

Site of the Annapolis Liberty Tree 

St. John's College 

The Sons of Liberty gathered at the Annapolis Liberty Tree to protest the 1765 Stamp Act. Liberty Trees served as sites for public meetings and protests throughout the American colonies. The Annapolis Liberty Tree survived until 1999, when a hurricane felled it. A replacement tulip poplar tree was planted in 2007 to commemorate the historic spot, and a marker placed at on the lawn near McDowell Hall at 38° 58.91′ N, 76° 29.422′ W.  The college was founded in 1696 as King William’s School and chartered in 1784 as St. John’s College. It is the third oldest university in the United States, only Harvard and the College of William & Mary are older. 

 

U.S. Naval Academy Museum
United States Naval Academy Museum

 

United States Naval Academy Museum 

The American Navy was founded when the Continental Congress voted on October 13, 1775, to outfit two sailing vessels to intercept British ships bringing supplies to the British army. The museum is located at the U.S Naval Academy and narrates the comprehensive story of the development of the American Navy and the Navy's service academy. Be sure to stop by the crypt of John Paul Jones and pay your respects to the man known as the “Father of the American Navy.” 

 

Fort at Horn Point 

Horn Point Park, Chesapeake Ave, Eastport  

One of the three forts constructed to protect the Annapolis Harbor from British raids during the Revolutionary War is in the historic town of Eastport. The fort was built in 1776, with trenches, earthen ramparts, and fifteen cannons. Now, the only thing remaining is a pocket park that offers views towards the Chesapeake Bay. Bring your canoe or kayak and drop in at the shoreline to explore by the water. Click HERE for a list of paddleboard and kayak rentals. 

 

A wide shot of the bridge and tower in William Paca House and Garden
William Paca House and Garden
 

Homes of the Maryland Signers of the Declaration of Independence  

All four homes of Maryland's Declaration of Independence signers can be found in historic downtown Annapolis. William Paca House and Garden, at 186 Prince George Street, is regularly open to the public. Charles Carroll House and Garden, at 107 Duke of Gloucester Street, is open to the public; see the website for hours of operation. Samuel Chase built the Chase-Lloyd House at 22 Maryland Avenue; the gardens are open to visitors. Thomas Stone owned the Peggy Stewart House at 207 Hanover Street, now a private residence.   

 

Roots & Tides Scenic Byway  

Drive this scenic byway to tour the pastoral landscapes and Chesapeake waterways of southern Anne Arundel County. Stately colonial houses, such as Woodlawn House at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, mark focal points of early farms, and waterside towns such as Galesville bespeak the region's water-based economy.  

Maryland State House with cherry Blossoms blooming
Maryland State House

 

Maryland State House 

The Maryland State House is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use. It was the site of George Washington's resignation as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in 1783 and the Treaty of Paris was ratified there at the end of the American Revolution. Be sure to see George Washington's handwritten speech inside. You can tour the building for free, see the website for hours of operation. 

 

National Cryptological Museum 

It is reported that British General Cornwallis stated, "George Washington did not outfight the British. He out-spied us." Learn about the importance of spies on both sides of the American Revolution and the role of espionage in national security from colonial times to the present. This museum is located on the grounds of the National Security Agency. 

 

The former Mt. Moriah AME Church is now the Banneker- Douglass Museum.
Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum

 

Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum 

The Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum is Maryland's official Museum of African American History & Heritage and houses permanent exhibitions highlighting the history, heritage, and contributions of Black Marylanders and the history of the people of the African Diaspora. One of the museum's namesakes, Benjamin Banneker, was a surveyor who established the borders for the District of Columbia in 1790. Rotating exhibitions in this historic A.M.E. church complement the permanent exhibits. 

 

Lafayette's Encampment 

Spa Creek Bridge, Eastport  

Under Marquis de Lafayette's command, troops encamped in Eastport en route to Yorktown in 1781. A large silver road sign marks the location just on the Eastport side of the bridge near the Annapolis Yacht Club Sailing Center. Take in the views of Annapolis, Charles Carroll’s House, and St. Mary's Church from the Spa Creek Bridge.  

 

Rising Sun Inn
Rising Sun Inn

 

Rising Sun Inn 

During the American Revolution, property owner Henry Baldwin served in the war while his brother James farmed the land. In 1781, General Rochambeau's troops traveled in front of this house en route to Annapolis, where his men sailed to assist in defeating the British at Yorktown. Today, this road is part of the national historic trail Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route. Visit the Rising Sun Inn events calendar for history talks, bourbon tasting, ghost tours, and more. 

 

Three Mile Oak 

A prominent oak tree stood here three miles from the Maryland State House. When George Washington arrived to resign his commission at the end of the Revolutionary War, he met a delegation at the tree who escorted him into Annapolis. Toppled by a storm in 1909, the tree's location is now marked by a commemorative plaque. After a stop at the plaque, head to Bacon Ridge Trail for a woodland hike or mountain bike ride.